Description: These baked apple cider donuts bring cozy fall flavors to your kitchen with an easy homemade donuts recipe. Enjoy this apple cider donuts baked treat that’s perfect for brunch or dessert—soft, spiced, and full of apple sweetness. Discover the details.

Why Baked Apple Cider Donuts Are a Fall Favorite

A Cozy Autumn Memory with Apple Cider Donuts

There’s something almost magical about autumn—the crisp breeze, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the smell of apples ripening in the orchard. One of my favorite fall memories takes me back to a sunny weekend at a local apple farm. After filling baskets with fresh apples, we followed the line to a small wooden stand where warm apple cider donuts were rolling in sugar. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tangy cider bubbling on the stove. One bite of those tender, spiced donuts, and fall officially began in my heart.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe – Warm Fall Homemade Donuts

That nostalgic moment inspired this baked apple cider donuts recipe. Bringing that same sweetness and warmth into your kitchen doesn’t require a trip to the orchard—just a few simple ingredients and an oven. Unlike deep-fried versions, these apple cider donuts baked perfectly at home are lighter, easier, and less messy but still give you that irresistible sugary crunch and apple-cinnamon aroma that defines the season.

The best part? You can make them anytime you crave that cozy fall flavor—no oily pans or complicated steps required. These homemade donuts fill your kitchen with the comforting fragrance of apple cider and spice, and every bite feels like a taste of your favorite autumn memory. So whether you’re baking for a weekend breakfast, a brunch with friends, or simply to warm up a chilly afternoon, this homemade donuts recipe will quickly become a fall tradition of your own.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying at Home

What makes baked apple cider donuts so special? It’s all in the texture and flavor. Traditional apple donuts are often fried, which can make them heavy or greasy if not done just right. The baked version delivers the same deep apple flavor and delightful spice without the extra oil. You get a soft, moist crumb infused with reduced apple cider and cozy spices, finished with a light crunch from the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Another reason to love this apple cider donuts recipe is how quick and simple it is. You can mix the batter in minutes, bake a batch in under 15 minutes, and enjoy warm donuts that taste straight out of a bakery. Because these are baked, they’re easier for families to make together—no splattering oil, no fuss, just fun and delicious results.

From the first whiff of cider reduction simmering on the stove to the final dip of each donut in cinnamon sugar, this baked apple cider donuts recipe captures everything wonderful about fall. They make a perfect addition to brunch tables, bake sales, or cozy weekend mornings paired with a mug of coffee or hot apple cider. Once you’ve tried these homemade donuts, you may never go back to store-bought again—the warmth, texture, and satisfaction of making these apple donuts at home just can’t be matched.

Ingredients for Perfect Baked Apple Cider Donuts

The Essential Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

The secret to a truly unforgettable baked apple cider donuts recipe lies in the quality and balance of ingredients. Each component brings its own contribution—whether it’s depth of flavor, a tender crumb, or that signature sweet-and-spiced aroma that fills your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for the best apple cider donuts baked to perfection.

Apple Cider (1 ½ cups, reduced to ½ cup): Reducing it intensifies the apple flavor, turning every bite into a burst of autumn sweetness. Simmer until syrupy, and let it coat the back of a spoon.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the donuts light. Swap ¼ cup for cake flour for extra tenderness.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Essential for rise and a soft, airy crumb since these donuts aren’t fried.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and defines the flavor of fall.
Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Deepens the spice profile with subtle warmth.
Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and caramel undertones that balance the tanginess of the cider.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps achieve a light texture.
Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brings richness and flavor; use coconut oil for dairy-free.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the batter and contribute to a moist, fluffy texture.
Milk (¼ cup): Balances consistency and acidity for a smooth batter.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and aroma.
Cinnamon Sugar for Coating: Mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for that sweet, crunchy finish.

Each ingredient in this homemade donuts recipe plays a key role in creating soft, flavorful treats that embody comfort and warmth. Using fresh cider and quality spices ensures the donuts come out perfectly spiced and naturally fragrant.

Recommended Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Donut Baking Pan: For even, perfect rings; substitute a muffin pan with a foil ball in the center if needed.
Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed one to reduce cider without burning.
Mixing Bowls: One for dry and another for wet ingredients to keep prep simple.
Whisk and Spatula: Whisk for aerating, spatula for gently folding batter to keep donuts soft.
Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: Ensures neat, even filling of donut pans.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is crucial for consistent texture.
Cooling Rack: Prevents sogginess and helps achieve that delicate crumb.
Small Bowl for Coating: Makes rolling donuts in cinnamon sugar clean and easy.

With these tools ready, creating bakery-quality homemade donuts becomes effortless. The right setup helps you bake evenly shaped, golden donuts that capture every bit of that luscious fall flavor.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts at Home

Preparing and Mixing the Batter

The beauty of this baked apple cider donuts recipe lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor. The first and most important step is creating the cider reduction, which gives your apple cider donuts baked at home their deep, orchard-fresh taste.

Reduce the cider: Boil 1 ½ cups of apple cider, then simmer until reduced to ½ cup—about 15–20 minutes. It should be thick and syrupy.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until blended and airy.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and the cooled cider reduction.
Blend wet and dry: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. A few flour streaks are fine.
Fill donut pan: Grease wells lightly and pipe or spoon batter in, filling each about two-thirds full.

At this point, your apple cider donuts recipe batter is ready—rich, smooth, and full of spice, awaiting a brief bake for that perfect fall treat.

Baking, Coating, and Serving Tips

Bake: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes until donuts spring back lightly when touched.
Cool: Let rest in the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Coat: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Optionally brush each donut with melted butter, then roll in the mixture until coated evenly.
Serve: Enjoy warm, fresh from the oven. Pair with hot cider or coffee for the best fall flavor.
Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon for a shiny alternative to the sugar coating.
Store or freeze: Keep in an airtight container up to two days or freeze individually wrapped for longer. Reheat to revive softness.

These baked apple cider donuts emerge tender inside, slightly crisped outside, and fragrant with real apple-cinnamon aroma. Every bite brings the warmth of fall home—no deep fryer needed.

Common Questions about Baked Apple Cider Donuts

FAQ Section

Can I make baked apple cider donuts without a donut pan? Yes! Use a muffin tin and form a small hole in the center with foil or parchment for nearly identical results.
How should I store homemade donuts to keep them fresh? Store airtight for up to two days at room temperature; refresh with a brief warming in the microwave or oven.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? Yes. Simmer longer to concentrate flavor, and add a dash of lemon juice for bright acidity.
Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts? Absolutely. Wrap individually, freeze up to two months, and reheat in a 300°F oven before serving.
How do I make a glaze instead of a cinnamon sugar coating? Whisk powdered sugar with apple cider and cinnamon, dip cooled donuts, and let glaze set until slightly firm.

Conclusion – Bringing Fall Comfort to Your Kitchen

There’s nothing like a warm kitchen on a crisp morning, filled with the scent of cinnamon and simmering cider. This baked apple cider donuts recipe captures that feeling—transforming simple ingredients into cozy, nostalgic comfort.

By baking your apple cider donuts at home, you bring seasonal joy straight from oven to table. Easy to make, delightful to share, and brimming with fall spirit, these homemade donuts embody everything comforting about autumn.

So preheat the oven, let the aroma of apples fill the air, and enjoy each sugar-kissed bite. These donuts aren’t just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of warmth, family, and the tender moments that make fall so special.